Phoenix – The American Association of University Women 2007 National Convention in Phoenix featured five enterprising women at the Dare to Lead dialogue, at the 44th annual national convention in Phoenix.
"Dare to Lead," a first-of-its-kind AAUW event, included a dialogue among women from diverse backgrounds on topics like leadership, finance, and education. Fay Fredricks, an Emmy award winning journalist at NBC 12 News in Phoenix, moderated the Dare to Lead dialogue.
Other panel participants included Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch, founder and president of Educational Achievement Services; Joyce Chang, head of Emerging Markets at JP Morgan Chase; Jay Parry, president and COO of the WNBA Phoenix Mercury; and Asra Nomani, activist and author of Standing Alone in Mecca. Nomani is currently portrayed in the new film, A Mighty Heart, based on Marianne Pearl’s memoir detailing the story of her husband, reporter Danny Pearl's death.
The panel addressed women’s advancement, best practices and challenges for women, and related topics affecting women leaders today.
When answering a question about why some people today feel threatened by empowered women, Kickbusch replied, "Because we get results...and it bugs the hell out of people! If you allow that threatening feeling to slow you down, shame on you. Because what the world needs is results!"
Nearly 800 women from across the country joined at the Phoenix Convention Center from June 29 – July 2 for the AAUW 44th annual national convention. The convention included a combination of workshops and speaker sessions designed to enlighten and empower women leaders. Other convention speakers include:
- Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space
- Greg Mortenson, author of bestseller Three Cups of Tea
- Laura Leedy Gansler and Clara Bingham, co-authors of the book that inspired the critically acclaimed movie North Country, starring actress Charlize Theron.
To learn more about the speakers, visit our website.
“The 2007 convention is sure to be a great one,” said AAUW Executive Director Michele Wetherald. “AAUW has joined together fascinating speakers, with woman leaders from across the country, ready to learn and affect positive change in their communities.”
Since 1881, AAUW has been a leader in advancing equity for women and girls through education, advocacy, and research. Most recently, AAUW released Behind the Pay Gap, a report that found that just one year out of college, women already earn less than their male counterparts, even in the same career field. The report received tremendous attention and media coverage across the nation, reaching more than 70 million people.
For more information, please visit our website or contact Rebecca Leaf, senior media relations associate at 202-785-7738, leafr@aauw.org or Ashley Carr, director of communications at 202-785-7745, carra@aauw.org.
